OUR VIEW: Cheers and jeers

Friday

Oct 18, 2013 at 11:12 AM

A CHEER ... to the 227 active volunteers within Thompson Health, who have contributed more than 33,000 hours to Thompson so far this year alone. If you multiply those hours by the national-based rate for New York state, with benefits, it translates to a cost savings of more than $750,000. The volunteers, who do everything from welcome visitors to assist with recreation therapy activities, were to be honored today at an annual Thompson luncheon. Receiving special honors were Diane Sickmond, with a total of 9,000 hours; Bill Betancourt and Gene Marrapese, with 8,000 each; Maria Dunphrey, with 7,000; Helen Myers, with 6,000; and Candace Tobin, Tom Edwards, David Pask and Cheryl Dony, with 4,000 apiece.

— Submitted by Anne Johnston, Thompson Health

A CHEER ... to the Empty Bowl events put on by Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes to raise awareness of and support for the agency’s hunger-related programs and services throughout four counties, including Ontario and Yates.

National statistics estimate that in 2012, 46.5 million people in the U.S. lived in poverty. Between 2006 and 2010, the number of households turning to emergency food programs increased by 46 percent. And while those numbers may not be quite as high in some places around here, there are needs in all communities, especially in these tough economic times.

The next Empty Bowl event takes place Thursday, Oct. 24, at St. Mary’s School on Gibson Street in Canandaigua. The cost is $20 per person ($10 for children under 10) and includes a handmade bowl, bowl of soup, bread, dessert and drink. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes programs.

A CHEER ... to the 7th District of New York Sons of the American Legion, which is hosting a musical fundraiser for the benefit of veterans.

The group will host a Jamboree and Music Show featuring country, blues, rock and oldies from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Seely B. Parish American Legion Post 457 at 1346 Route 96 in Phelps.

There will also be food, refreshments, dancing, raffles and a silent auction throughout the afternoon. The cost is $5 per person, with donations accepted. The show benefits veterans, active personnel and their families, and will provide support for the new Cadence Square housing project at the Canandaigua VA for homeless and at-risk veterans.

A CHEER ... to Reed Eye Associates, which recently donated $1,500 to help support Sodus Bay’s historic lighthouse museum. Led by founder Dr. Ronald Reed, Reed Eye Associates sustains continued philanthropic efforts in the communities it serves. Reed Eye Associates has branches in Pittsford, Greece, Irondequoit, Sodus and Newark.